African American and Caucasian Perceptions and Attitudes Toward Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This study examined the attitudes held by both African Americans and Caucasians regarding colorectal cancer screening and the reasons why they avoid screenings even when clinically indicated by their physicians. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common and easily preventable types of cancer in the United States. If diagnosed and treated early prior to metastasis, the five-year colorectal cancer survival rate is approximately 90%. However, many patients avoid screening procedures for colorectal cancer due to a number of reasons. Qualitative data was gathered from focus groups and found four major themes that emerged in both groups: (1) reported barriers to screening, (2) level of knowledge about CRC, (3) knowledge of risk factors for CRC, and (4) suggested strategies for improving CRC screening. African Americans and Caucasians reported differential concerns for each of those themes, including on physician vs. access issues (barriers), environmental vs. hereditary diseases (risk factors), community vs. physician-based interventions (strategies), and substantial differences with regard to CRC knowledge.